how do you get through those terrible 2's

Lynda - posted on 02/26/2010

My son just turned 3 and I am finding he is a bit more likely to fly off the handle at little things now than when he was 2 (it's like a switch flipped when he turned 3). I have done what others here have posted, I let him have his fit at home, walk away and when he quiets down, I ask him if he is done and try to explain to him whatever the issue was in a way he can understand and give lots of hugs while trying to explain. I have found patience to be my best ally and a sense of humor. Prayer of course always helps too. I tell him that I always love him even if I don't love everything he does and that having a fit will not get him what he wants. It does seem to help and now at 3 he understands a lot more than he did at 2.

Victoria - posted on 02/26/2010

Prayer & patience, also consistancy in teaching, instruction, correction and rebuke (punishment). Through discipline and punishment (consequences) children learn. If we let things go unpunished and give into tantrums and such we teach our kids that we don't really love them. God disciplines those He loves why wouldn't we do the same, and the ages of birth to five years old have been proven as the most influentcial years of a human life. And just as when God disciplines and punishes those He loves it later brings a harvest into that persons life, so it is when we discipline our kids.



Hebrews 12:5 And you have forgotten that word of encouragement that addresses you as sons: "My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 ( because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? 8 If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! 10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness.11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (NIV)



I have to say though with all three of my girls, I found 3 to be the terrible 3's more than 2 was, and I found this with the kids when I worked at a daycare centre as well as the kids I've home day-care over the years. However through prayer and consistancy and knowing that the word is my strength I came through terrible 2, 3, sassy teens (step kids) and now 8 year old who thinks she's 16. God is good and will see you through, just keep His word as your standard.

Heather - posted on 02/22/2010

By being thankful you only have one! No but seriously, I have twin girls that are in their terrible 2's right now...

Lot's of prayer
Find quiet time for you and God. (getting up early, after bed, take a bath... whatever)
Lot's of love.

Remember when they tear things up that you love them and that God does too. He entrusted them into your care. It's stressful, but worth it.

Mary - posted on 02/22/2010

It is difficult but the child is learning how to control their emotions as well as learning what these emotions are. Sometimes you just have to let them have their fit at home, but don't give in to it. When my daughter used to cry or throw her arms about, I would walk away instead of giving in to it to try to stop her. Then I would ask her if she is done, and just tell her that is not good she should use her words and give her a hug. It does take patience, a lot of patience because as parents you don't want to see them do that. But you have to find what will work for you two as well. Things will get better!

Amanda - posted on 02/22/2010

In my experience the best way is with prayer, patience and a good sense of humor. I think it helps to not take ourselves too seriously. If you can laugh at the small stuff, the harder things are much easier to manage.